DUKE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
DUKEHEALTH.ORG
| Research Activities |
Clinical Research
The Division is involved with multiple clinical research projects investigating all aspects of reproductive endocrinology. Clinical research nurses within the Division work closely with the physicians in recruiting research subjects, performing research protocols and analyzing research data. Examples of present and past investigations include:
- Novel ovulation induction techniques
- Adhesion prevention
- Development & testing of vaginal gels for drug & microbicide delivery
- Prevention of chemotherapy induced ovarian failure
- New drugs for osteoporosis
- Hysteroscopic techniques for female sterilization
Basic Science Research
The Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory within the Division studies the non-genomic actions of progesterone via novel receptors.
Progesterone may function to regulate cell processes including survival and apoptosis via non-nuclear receptors located in the plasma membrane and/or mitochondria. Studies include the identification and localization of novel progesterone receptors, and the regulation of cell signaling proteins and calcium mobilization by progesterone in cell line models. Possible non-genomic physiological effects of progesterone are also investigated using a mouse model lacking expression of the classic nuclear progesterone receptors.
Progesterone may function to regulate cell processes including survival and apoptosis via non-nuclear receptors located in the plasma membrane and/or mitochondria. Studies include the identification and localization of novel progesterone receptors, and the regulation of cell signaling proteins and calcium mobilization by progesterone in cell line models. Possible non-genomic physiological effects of progesterone are also investigated using a mouse model lacking expression of the classic nuclear progesterone receptors.
